Adeleke Partners UK On Digital Transformation Drive In Osun

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has initiated a digital transformation programme across the state following a partnership with the United Kingdom under its UK-funded Digital Access Programme.

The partnership, which will be implemented through the State-level Policy, Regulatory and Institutional Reforms Enabling Digital Transformation (SPRIRET) project, is aimed at expanding digital access, strengthening public institutions and creating opportunities within the state’s digital economy.

The development was disclosed in a statement signed by the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed.

According to the statement, the initiative aligns with Adeleke’s priorities of economic growth, job creation and inclusive development.

British Deputy High Commissioner, Jonny Baxter, in a letter to the governor, said the project was guided by the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership.

The initiative follows months of consultations and coordination between the Osun State Government and the British Deputy High Commission, during which both parties assessed the state’s digital landscape, including its needs, readiness and opportunities for expanding connectivity and developing digital skills.

The statement said the project was jointly designed with the state government to address identified gaps and strengthen the foundations of its digital economy.

SPRIRET will focus on five major areas: digital economy policy, regulatory and institutional reforms; digital infrastructure, connectivity and access; civic technology, digitisation of public services and digital public infrastructure; capacity development; and ecosystem coordination and sustainable implementation.

The project will be implemented by the Initiative for Digital Inclusion (iDi) in collaboration with the Osun State Government.

Reacting to the partnership, Adeleke said it demonstrated Osun’s readiness to compete in the digital economy and use technology to drive wealth creation.

“This partnership affirms Osun’s place as a state ready to compete in the digital economy space for wealth creation. We appreciate the UK Government for its confidence in our vision.

“My administration will work closely with all partners to ensure every Osun citizen, from the rural areas to the cities, benefits from expanded access, better public services and new opportunities for our young people,” he said.

Baxter said the UK was proud to partner with Osun on the programme, describing it as an ambitious initiative jointly developed with the governor’s team.

He said strengthening the policies, systems and institutions supporting a digital economy would help stimulate growth, create jobs and widen access to digital opportunities across the state.

The British envoy added that the project reflected the shared ambitions of both countries under the UK-Nigeria Strategic Partnership.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Sustainable Development Goals and Multilateral Relations, Bamikole Omishore, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to international partnerships that advance the Sustainable Development Goals.

He said the government remained committed to placing inclusive, technology-driven growth at the centre of its governance agenda.